MR. THOMAS BALLANTYNE
1924 – 2009
Mr. Thomas Henry Ballantyne passed away Thursday, July 16, 2009 at the Victoria Hospital in Prince Albert at the age of 84 years. Graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, July 20 from Prince Albert Memorial Gardens. Thomas is survived by his children Brian (Debbie) and granddaughter Leshia, Karen (Vance) Osmon and grandson Parker of Phoenix, AZ, Megan (David) and grandchildren Justin and Alicia Middlebrook; his sister Ella (Ballantyne) England of London, ON; his numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Rhene Elizabeth Grace on November 30, 1999; his parents J.P. Smith and Mable Ballantyne; his step-mother Edith Bolton Ballantyne; his brothers Ripley, James, Stuart and Ted; his sister Johanna. Thomas was born July 20, 1924 in Kapuskasing, ON to J.P. Smith and Mabel (Ripley) Ballantyne. He served in the Royal Canadian Airforce. In 1950 he graduated from UNB with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry. May 25, 1950 he married Rhene Elizabeth Grace (Balmer). They moved to Longlac, ON where he worked for Kimberly-Clark. In 1966 they moved to Prince Albert where he established the woodlands operation for the Prince Albert Pulp and Paper Company. In 1972 he became Vice-President of Woodlands for PAPCO and retired from PAPCO in 1984. Thomas’ community involvements included President of Sask. Forestry Association from 1972-1982; he was instrumental in the establishment of the Canadian Forestry Association Forest Capital of Canada program and awarding the first designation to Hudson Bay, SK in 1979; he served as Canadian Forest Association President from 1979 to 1980; he was an active member of the Saskatchewan Forest Association Board of Directors for more than 30 years; he was active in the formation of the Farm Woodlot Association of Saskatchewan and served on the board for several years; he was the chair of TREEmendous Saskatchewan Board of Directors for several years; he was involved in the Prince Albert Model Forest Association and the Saskatchewan Forestry Expo. In 1991 in recognition for his efforts in promoting forestry awareness and education in Saskatchewan he received the Saskatchewan Forestry Association Friend of Trees Award. He was a member of the Kinistino #1 Lodge, the Royal Arch and Prince Albert Wa Wa Shrine. Over the years Tom was an active supporter, fan and director of the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Interment will take place at Prince Albert Memorial Gardens following the funeral service. It is the family’s request that in lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Lesley Sully – Funeral Director.